Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanjanica Crowder.
Hi Tanjanica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I received my first camera in the 7th grade—a pink Canon Sure Shot 35mm camera—and I immediately fell in love with photography. I remember looking at photos in books and magazines and completely getting lost in the moment. It wasn’t until years later, when I traveled to Belfast, Ireland, in 2006, that I began to take photography seriously. I remember carefully framing and composing each image. When I returned home, I showed the photos to some coworkers, and one of them told me they looked like postcards. That compliment changed my perspective. In that moment, I knew I wanted to be a photographer.
I started following other photographers online, studying their composition, angles, lighting, and style. I took a few online courses and would walk downtown taking random shots, welcoming every opportunity to photograph someone’s portrait. Over time, my skills improved, and I began to see myself as part of an industry I had grown so passionate about.
Since then, I’ve photographed high school seniors, proms, events, weddings, and lifestyle sessions. I’ve also had my images in publications such as Birmingham Magazine, Birmingham Times, James Beard Foundation, and Belfast City Tours, to name a few. Having my camera in my hand brings me so much joy. There’s nothing quite like seeing my clients’ reactions and knowing I’ve captured a moment they can relive for the rest of their lives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overall, it has been a fairly smooth road. Like any industry, photography comes with its challenges, but I’ve learned to embrace them as part of the journey. Along the way, I’ve met some incredible people, grown in my craft, and been afforded some wonderful opportunities. For me, the relationships I’ve built and the experiences I’ve gained have made the journey truly rewarding.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is centered around capturing people, moments, and emotions in a way that feels authentic and timeless. I specialize in portrait, lifestyle, event, wedding, and senior photography, but at the heart of everything I do is storytelling. I want my images to make you feel something—to take you back to a moment and allow you to experience it all over again.
I’m most proud of the connections I’ve made through photography and the trust people place in me to capture some of their most meaningful moments. There’s something incredibly rewarding about giving someone an image that becomes a part of their story.
What sets me apart is my eye for composition and my ability to find beauty in the details and genuine moments that can easily be overlooked. I’m not just taking a photograph; I’m intentional about creating an experience and capturing the emotion behind the moment. I want my work to feel like you; not overly posed or manufactured, but honest, beautiful, and true to the person or story in front of my lens.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I wouldn’t consider myself a huge risk-taker, but I do believe in taking calculated risks when something truly matters to me. For me, stepping outside of my comfort zone has always been a part of growth.
Photography itself was a risk. I started with a love for taking pictures and eventually had to make the decision to take my creativity seriously and put my work out into the world. There’s always a little fear that comes with putting something you’ve created in front of others and allowing it to be judged, but I’ve learned that staying comfortable can sometimes be the bigger risk.
Some of the greatest opportunities I’ve had have come from simply saying yes; yes to meeting new people, trying something different, taking on a project that challenged me, or trusting my creative instincts. I used to consider myself a true introvert, but saying yes has helped me find my comfort zone. I’ve learned that risk doesn’t always have to be something big or life-changing. Sometimes, it’s simply having the courage to take the next step when you don’t know exactly where it will lead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tancrowderphotography.com
- Instagram: tanjanica
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/tancrowderphoto
